16-fluoro-11-hydroxy steroids of the pregnane series



United States Patent Delaware No Drawing. Filed Aug. 23, 1960, Ser. No. 51,298 33 Claims. (Cl. 260-397.45)

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial No. 36,760, filed June 17, 1960, now abandoned, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial No. 1,449, filed January 11, 1960, now abandoned, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial No. 633,175, now abandoned, filed January 7, 1957, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial No. 521,365, filed July 11, 1955, now U.S. Patent 2,781,366, issued February 12, 1957, and U.S. application Serial No. 776,437, filed November 26, 1958.

This invention relates to novel 1604-fiuoro and 16B- fiuoro steroids and novel steroid intermediates and methods used in the prepartion thereof.

The novel 1604-fiuoro-11B-hydroxy and 16,8-fluoro-115- hydroxy steroid compounds of this invention are represented by the formula:

wherein A is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, OAcyl, fluorine and 0PO H the term Acyl representing the acyl radical of an organic carboxy-lic acid, particularly a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, X is selected from the group consisting of R being attached at the 2-position and selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, V is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and ffuorine, and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and fluorine.

In this application the wavy line (1) represents a generic expression including the alpha (04) and (B) configuration.

The compounds of Formula I possess useful therapeutic properties. The compounds of Formula I possess anti-inflammatory and glucocorticoid activity. Thus, for example, 1604-fiuoro-11B,1704'2l-trihydroxy-1,4=pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate has been found to exhibit approximately 7.7 times the glucocorticoid activity of hydrocortisone, approximately 16 times the anti-inflammatory activity of hydrocortisone, and in addition has a favorable effect on salt and water balance.

'ice

The compounds of Formula I are useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of mammals and birds and are particularly useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the skin, eyes and ears of humans and of valuable domestic animals, as Well as contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions.

Administration of the novel steroids of Formula I can be in conventional dosage forms, such as pills, tablets, capsules, syrups or elixirs for oral use, or in liquid forms which are adaptable to the natural and synthetic cortical steroid hormones for injectable products. The novel compounds of Formula I can also be administered topically in the form of ointmeuts, creams, lotions, and the like, With or without coacting antibiotics, germicides or other materials forming advantageous combinations therewith.

This invention also relates to the ll-keto compounds, otherwise corresponding to the compounds of Formula I.

The novel compounds of this invention, and more particularly the 1604 and 16/3 epimeric forms of 16-fluor0- A -pregnenes, such as,

16-fluoro-1 1,8,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3 ,ZO-dione, 904,16-difiuoro-1 1,8,1704,2l-trihydrroxy-4-pregnene-3 ,20-

dione, 604,16-difiuoro-11,8,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-

dione, 604,904,16-trifiuoro-116,1704,21-trihydr0xy-4-pregnene-3,

ZO-dione, 604-methyl-16-fiuoro-1 1 B, 17 04,2 1-trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3 ,20-dione, 604-methyl-904,16-difluoro-1 1,8,1704,21-tri'hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, and the 21 -acylates thereof; 16-fluoro-A -pregnadieues, such as, 16-fluoro-11fl,17o4,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3 ,20-

dione, 904,16-fiuoro-11p,1704,2l-trihydroxy-1,4,-pregnadiene-3 20-dione, 604,16-difiuoro-113,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 20-dione, 604,904,16-trifluoro-11,8,1704,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione, 604-methyl-16-fiuoro-115,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,20-di0ne, 604-methyl-904,16-difluoro-11B,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, and the 21-acylates thereof; 204-methyl-16-fiuoro-A -pregnenes, such as, 204-rnethyl-16-fiuoro-11/3,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3 20-dione, 2o4-methyl-904,16-difluoro-1 1[3,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, 204-methyl-604,16-difluoro-11,8,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-preg- Ilene-3 ,20-dione, 204-rnethyl-604,904,16-trifiuoro-11B,1704,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3 ,20-dione, 204,6 04-dimethyl-16-fluoro-1l5,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-preg- Ilene-3 ,20-dione, 204,6 04-dimethyl-904,16-difluoro-11B,1704,21-trihydroxy-4- pregneue-3 ,ZO-dione, and the 21-acylates thereof; 2-methyl-16-fluoro-A -pregnadienes, such as, 2-methyl-16-fluoro-11[3,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 2-methyl-904,16-difiuoro-11 6,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20dione, 2-methyl-604,16-difluoro-1 ,1704,2l-trihydr0xy-1,4-

pregna-diene-3 ,ZO-dione, 2-methyl-604,904,16-trifluoro-11 3,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione, 2,604-dimethyl-16-fiuoro-1 1,8,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione, 2,604-dirnethyl-9o4,16-difluoro-11B,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

CHzOAc OHN F lfrom (6) CHzOAc CHzOAc CHzOAc CHzOH ---o11 1W F gitjj CH5]? (EH20 P031111 i= 6 OAc HO w F A M F v IV X X-l o=k 0:

wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine, W is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine, R is an organic radical, particularly a hydrocarbon radical containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, such as methyl, ethyl, phenyl, tolyl, naphthyl or the like, methyl being preferred, Ac is the acyl radical of an organic carboxylic acid, particularly a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, and V, X and Z have the same meanings as previously given.

One of the processes of the present invention comprises reacting compounds of the type represented by Formula 1, such as llB,2l-dihydr0xy-l,4,17(20) pregnatrien-3-one 2l-acetate with selenium dioxide in a suitable inert solvent to obtain the compounds of Formula 2, such as 11fi,16oc,21 trihydroxy 1,4,l7(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21 acetate. The reaction is usually conducted at between about 80 and C., although temperatures of from about 50 to C. are operative. Completion of the reaction can take from about 0.5 to 24 hours, depending in part on the temperature employed and the selected solvent. Suitable solvents include, for example, dioxane, acetic acid, tertiary butyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, mixtures of these, aqueous mixtures of these solvents, and the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of dioxane and water. The thus obtained compounds of Formula 2 are recovered from the reaction mixture and purified by conventional methods, such as, for example, dilution of the reaction mixture with Water, extraction with a water-immiscible solvent, such as, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, benzene, toluene and the like, chromatography, or a combination of these, followed by recrystallization.

The compounds of Formula 2 can be converted to the corresponding 16,2l-diacylates using conventional acylating procedures, for example, these acylating procedures used to convert hydrocortisone to hydrocortisone acetate. The compounds of Formula 2 can also be hydrolyzed using procedures known in the art, for example, the hydrolysis of hydrocortisone acylates to hydrocortisone, to obtain the corresponding free 2l'-alcohol compounds.

The compounds of Formula 2, such as 11B,16oc,2l trihydroxy-1,4, 17 (20) -pregnatrien-3-one Zl-acetate are converted to the compounds of Formula 3, such as 20achloro 115,21 dihydroxy 1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 21- acetate (Y-=Cl) and 20a-bromo-llfl,2l-dihydroxy1,4,- l6-pregnatrien-3-one 2l-acetate (Y=Br), with thionyl chloride and thionyl bromide, respectively.

The conversion of the compounds of Formula 2 to the compounds of Formula 3 is carried out in the presence of a tertiary amine, such as tri-n-butylalmine, pyridine, collidine, lutidine, triethylamine and the like, preferably tri-n-butylamine, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride, ether, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, and the like, preferably methylene chloride, at a temperature of about 3 to +30 C., preferably at a temperature of to +15 C. Completion of the reaction can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the temperature employed and the selected solvent.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 3 are recovered from the reaction mixture and purified by conventional methods, such as, for example, those described above for the recovery and purification of the compounds of Formula 2.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 3 are converted to the compounds of Formula 4, such as llfl-hydroxy-ZOfiLZl-epoxy-IA,16 pregnatrien 3 one, using a base, for example an alkali-metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and the like, or an alkaline-earth metal hydroxide, such as calcium hydroxide, barium hydroxide and the like, preferably sodium hydroxide, in the presence of a suitable inert solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like, preferably methanol.

The conversion of the compounds of Formula 3 to Formula 4 is carried out at a temperature of 25 to +50 C., preferably around 0 C. Completion of the reaction can take from a few minutes to a few hours,

depending on the temperature employed and the selected solvent.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 4 are re-;

covered from the reaction mixture and purified by conventional methods, such as, for example, those described above for the recovery and purification of the compounds of Formula 2.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 4 are then reacted with substantially anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a suitable inert solvent, such as methylene chloride, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, or mixtures of these, preferably a mixture of methylene chloride and tetrahydrofuran, to obtain a mixture comprising the 1604 and 16B epimeric forms of the compounds of Formula 5, such as pregnatrien-3-one, and the 20m and 20B epimeric forms or the compounds of Formula 5', such as ZOB-fluoro and ZOa-fiUOIO-ll B,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l6 pregnatrien 3 one. The compounds of Formula 5' possess central nervous system regulating activity.

The conversion of the compounds of Formula 4 to the compounds of Formula 5 and Formula 5 is carried out at a temperature of about 80 to +25 C., preferably around 0 C. Completion of the reaction can take from about a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the temperature employed and the solvent selected.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 5 (the 16m and 16 8 epimeric forms) and Formula 5' (the 20m and 20B epimeric forms) can be recovered from the reaction mixture by conventionalmethods, SUChflS, for, example, extraction with a water-immiscible solvent, such as methylenechloride, ethyl acetate,qbenzene, toluene andgthe like. If desired, the recovered mixed l6a-fiu'oro and l6/3-fiu'oro epimeric forms can be separated :from each other and from the ZQu-flllOIO and 2 0,8-fluoro compounds and purified by chromatography or 'countercurrent extraction followed by recrystallization. However, it has been found: to be economically expedient to use the. mixture comprising the and 163 epimeric forms of the compounds of Formula 5 and the 20a and 20B epimeric forms of the compounds of Formula 5 in the next step of the.

process without further separation or purification.

The thus obtained mixture comprising the compounds of Formula 5 (the 16m and 16p epimeric forms) and the compounds of Formula 5' (the 20m and 206 epimeric forms) is then acylated'by allowing the mixture to react with an acylating. agent.

boxylic acids, containing from 5.1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, or the anhydrides or acid halides thereof. For example, a saturated straight-chain aliphatic acid, e.g., formic, acetic, propionic, butyric,'valeric,.hexanoic,lauric, a saturated branched-chain aliphatic acid, e.g., trimethylacetic,isobutyric', isovaleric,.tertiary butylac'etic, a cycloaliphatic saturated acid, e.g., B-cyclopentylpropionic,

cyclohexane-carboxylic, cyclohexylacetic, analkaryl acid,

e.g., benzoic, phenylacetic, fi phenylpropionic, 0-, m-, ptoluic, a saturated dibasic acid (which can be converted into water-soluble, e.g., sodium,salts, e.g., succinic, adipic, a mono-basic unsaturated acid, e.g., acrylic, crotonic, un-

' decylenic, propiolic, undecolic, cinnamic, dibasic unsaturated acids (which can be converted into water-soluble,

e.g.,.sodium salts), e.g., maleic and citraconic, or the acid anhydrides and acid halides thereof, can-be used to' acylate the compounds of Formula 5 to convert them into the compounds of Formula 6, such as 16,8.- and 16afluoro-l1;3,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l7(20)-pregnatrien-3-one .21- acetate, and the compounds of Formula 6, such as 20;?!- fluoroand 20a-fluoro-1 113,2 l-dihydroxy-l,4,l6 pregnatri en-3-one 2l-acetate. .The compounds of Formula 6', like their parent free 21-alcoh0ls, possess central nervous system regulating activity.

The conversion of the compounds of Formulas 5 and 5' to the compounds of Formulas 6 and 6', respectively, is carried out using the acylatin'g agent as solvent, or in the presence of a suitable inert solvent, such as benzene, xylene, dioxane, methylene chloride or the like, particu-. larly when the acylating agent is a solid, andfrequently in the presence of a catalyst, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, or an amine, preferably pyridine. Completion of the reaction can take from a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the temperature and the solvent employed. If the acylating, agent is the free acid, the reaction is'preferably carried out in the presence of an esterification catalyst, for example, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, trifluoroacetic anhydride, p-toluenesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, sulfuric acid, and the like.

The thus obtained compounds of Formulas 6 (the 16m andl6fl epimeric forms) and 6' (the 200: and 20 3 epimeric forms) are recovered from the reaction mixture and purified by conventional methods, such as, for example, those described above for the recovery and purification of the compounds of Formula 2. The 16a and 16p epimeric forms of the compoundsof Formula .6 are separated from eachother by still further chromatography pounds of Formula 6" by further chromatography using conventional methods. If desired, the 160:. and 165 epimeric forms of the compoundsof Formula 6 can be separated from each other by still further chromatography using conventional methods. However, it has been found to be economically expedient to use the mixed 16a and Suitable acylating agents are organic carboxylic acids, particularly hydrocarboncar 16;? epimeric forms of the compounds of Formula 6 in the next step of the process without further purification or separation.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 6 (a mixture of the 16m and 16,8 epimeric forms) are converted to the compounds of Formula 7, such as 16fl-fluoroand 16u-fiuoro-11fi-l7a,21 trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate by an oxidative hydroxylation reaction which is carried out using a catalytic amount of osmium tetroxide and an oxygen donating oxidizing agent. Included among the oxidizing agents are hydrogen peroxide, peracids, alkyl peroxides, amine oxide peroxides, etc. The preparation of a number of oxidizing agents and the reaction conditions which are preferably employed is discussed more fully in US. Patent 2,875,200.

The 160: and 16B epimeric forms of the compounds of Formula 7, such as 16fl-fluoro and 16x-fluoro-11B,17a,21- trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 2l-acetate, are recovered from the reaction mixture as a mixture of the epirneric forms by conventional methods, such as, for example, dilution of the reaction mixture with water, extraction with a water-immiscible solvent, such as methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, benzene, toluene, and the like.

The 16m and 16B epimeric forms are then separated from each other using conventional chromatographic methods. The separated 160a and 16B epimeric forms are then purified by recrystallization.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 7 are converted to the 9(11)-dehydro compounds of Formula 8, such as 16,8-fiuoro and 16a-fluoro-17u,21-dihydroxy-1,4,9 (11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, which are converted to the 9a-halo, wherein the halogen is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, compounds of Formula 9, such as 16B-fluoroand 16a-fiuoro-9a-bromo 11 3,17a,21 trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, which are converted to the 9,11-epoxy compounds of Formula 10, such as 16,6-fluoro and 16a-fluoro9fl,1l,8-epoxy-l7a,2ldihydroxy-I,4-pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21-acetate, which are in turn converted to the 9a-fiuoro compounds of Formula 11, such as 90:,16fi-difl1101'0- and 9a,16u-difluoro- 11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21- acetate, which can be converted to the free 21-alcohol compounds of Formula 13, such as 9a,].6B-difill0l0- and 9a,16a-difluoro-11fi,17a,21-trihydroxy-l,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione, all according to the procedures disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,499.

The compounds of Formula 7 are converted to the compounds of Formula 12, such as l6fl-fiuoroand 160:- fiuoro-l1fl,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione, according to the procedure described above for the conversion of the compounds of Formula 11 to the compounds of Formula 13, namely, using the procedure disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,499.

If desired, the compounds of Formulas 12 and 13 can be reacylated to obtain the compounds of Formula 19, such as 16/8-fluoroand 16a-fiuoro-l1fi,17 x,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (or other 21-acylates) and 9u,16/3-difluoroand 9a,16oc-difi11OIOl1/3,l7oc, 2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates), according to the procedure described above for the conversion of the compounds of Formula 5 to the compounds of Formula 6.

The compounds of Formulas 12 and 13 are converted to the ZI-methanesulfonate compounds of Formula 14, such as, 16B-fluoro and 16u-fiuoro-1l/8,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-methanesulfonate and 904,165- difluoroand 9a,16ot-difluoro-1lfi,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-methanesulfonate, according to the procedure disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,538.

The thus obtained compounds of Formula 14 are converted to the 21-iodo compounds of Formula 15, such as 16,8-fluoroand 16a-fluoro-2l-iodo-11fl,l7a-dihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 9a,16,8-difluoroand 9a, 160t-dlflllOIO-21-i0dO-11fi,170t-dlhydfOXy 1,4 pregnadi- 1Q ene-3,20-dione, according to the procedure disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,539.

The compounds of Formula 15 are converted to the 21-fluoro compounds of Formula 16, such as 165,21-difluoroand 16a,2l-difluor0-1l[ ,17a dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 9a,16fl,21-tllflll0f0 and 9a,l6a, 2l-trifluoro-116,17a-dihydroxy-L4 pregnadiene 3,20- dione, according to the procedure disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,539.

Alternatively, the 2l-1'luoro compounds of Formula 16 are prepared from the compounds of Formula 14 according to the procedures disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,838,539.

The compounds of Formula 16 are converted to the 17-acylated compounds of Formula 17, such as 16,8,21- difluoroand l6oc,2l-difll.l0l0 115,170; dihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-acetate (or other 17-acylates) and 9a,l6,l3,21-trifluoroand 9a,l6u,21-trifluoro-11fi,l7adihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 17 acetate (or other 17-acylates) by reaction with the anhydride of an acid, such as those listed above in the conversion of the compounds of Formula 5 to the compounds of Formula 6, in the presence of an esterification catalyst such as ptoluenesulfonic acid. The l7-acylation is carried out at a temperature of from about 0 C. to about C., preferably at about 25 C. Completion of the reaction can take from several minutes to several hours depending on the temperature, the acylating agent and the steroid employed.

The compounds of Formula 15 are also converted to the compounds of Formula 18, such as 16B-fluoro and 16oa-fiuoro-11,8,l7u,21-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-phosphate and 9a,16;3-diflu0roand 9a,l6oc-dl fluoro-l l [3,17a,2 l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,20 dione 21-phosphate, according to the procedure disclosed by Hirschmann et al., Chem. and Ind., 1956, 682. Water soluble salts of the compounds of Formula 18, such as the sodium or potassium salt, can be prepared by treating the compounds of Formula 18 according to procedures well known in the art for the preparation of water soluble salts of hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate from hydrocortisone ZI-hemisuccinate.

The compounds of Formulas 7, 11, 16, 17, and 18, can be oxidized to their corresponding ll-keto compounds according to the oxidation procedures disclosed in US. 2,838,539. If desired, the ll-keto 2l-acy lated compounds, otherwise corresponding to the compounds of Formulas 7 and 11, can be hydrolyzed, using methods known in the art for the conversion of hydrocortisone 2l-acylates to hydrocortisone, to obtain the ll-keto free 2l-alcohol compounds corresponding to the compounds of Formulas l2 and 13.

Alternatively, l6-fluoro-11B, 17a, 2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and the 21-acylates thereof, l6-tluoro- 11,B,17u,2l trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione and the 21-acylates thereof, the corresponding l6-chloro 16-bromo and 16-iodo compounds thereof and intermediates used in the preparation thereof, are prepared according to the following reaction scheme:

CH3 CH3 (llH OAe CIHZOH (III-I OH HO- Q H/\ Q on OHi CH3 CH3 CIJHZOAc (IJHQOI-I 0:0 3:0 L..-OH "-OH HO- i To To ---o11 HO- To CH O wherein Q is a halogen having an atomic weight of from 19 to 127, and Ac has the same meaning as previously given.

In preparing the novel compounds of the presentinvention, l1 fi-hydroxy -21- acyloxy -4,16,20- pregnatrien- 3-one (20) is employed as the starting material. Treatment of this compound with hypobromous or hypochlorous acid, bromine or chlorine, N-bromoacetamide or N- chloroacetamide, produces the novel 16-halo-l1/3-hydroXy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one-2l-a1 (21), wherein the halogen is bromine or chlorine. Reaction of this halo compound with sodium borohydride in methanol at reduced temperatures yields l6-halo-1'1fl,2l-dihydroxy- 4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (22), which is then acetylated with an acylating derivative of an organic carboxylic acid, preferably a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, to produce 16- halo 11/3 hydroxy 21 acyloxy 4,17(20) pregnadien-3-one (23) by methods already known for the 21- acylation of 2l-hydroxy steroids. Oxidative hydroxylation of this compound with a metal oxide and an oxidizing agent, such as osmium tetroxide with hydrogen peroxide, an amine oxide peroxide or phenyl iodosoacetate in the presence of a small amount of water, produces the 16 halo 11,8,1711 dihyd-roxy 21 acyloxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione (24), wherein the halogen is bromine or chlorine.

The earlier produced l6-halo-11(i-hydroxy-4,17(20)- pregnadien-3-one-2l-al (21) can be reacted with cadmium fluoride, potassium fluoride, silver fluoride, mercuric fluoride or lead :fluoride to produce. the corresponding 16-fluoro compound, with subsequent reduction, 21- esterification and oxidative hydroxylationras described to yield 16 fluoro 11fl,17a dihydroxy 21 acyloxy 4- pregnene-3,20-dione (24). Similarly, the 16-l1alo-11B- hydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3-one-21-al (21 wherein the halogen isbromine or chlorine, can be converted by reaction with sodium iodide to the corresponding. 16-iodo compound which can likewise be treated as described to produce 16 iodo 1118,17a dihydroxy 21 acyloxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione (24).

Alternatively, the 16-halo compounds, (22), (23), or (24), whereinthe halogen is bromine, chlorine or iodine, can be reacted with cadmium fluoride, silver fluoride,

-mercuric fluoride, potassium fluoride or lead fluoride to produce the corresponding 16-fluoro compound by 're.

placement as an intervening step immediately before or after the 21-acylation and oxidative hydroxylation steps shown above.

The 16 halo 11,8,17a dihydroxy 21 acyloxy 4- pregnene-3,20-diones (24) can be readily converted to the.

16-halo-hydrocortisones (25) by conventional hydrolysis using, for example, potassium carbonate solution in the absence of air. The 16-halohydrocortisones (25) or their 2l-esters can be subjected to a process of fermentative dehydrogenation, as disclosed in US. 2,902,410, to yield the 16-halo-l-dehydrohydrocortisones (26) or-2l-esters thereof. In the fermentation procedure, the displacement of hydrogen to produce. a double bond at the 1-2 position is accomplished by subjecting the- 16-halohydrocortisones or their 21-esters to the action of a fungus of the genus Septomyxa, more particularly, Seplomyxa afiinis. On com pletion of the fermentation reaction and subsequent purification steps in accordance with established techniques, 16-halo-l-dehydrohydrocortisones or 21-esters thereof are recovered in high purity.

The 16 halo-l-dehydrohydrocortisone 21,-esters can;be readily oxidized in accordance with standard procedures, for example, with sodium dichromate and acid to yield the corresponding 16-halo-1-dehydrocortisone 21-ester-s,

As an alternative procedure in preparing the '16-halo-1- dehydrohydrocortisones and 21i-esters thereof, dehydro-- genation of any l6-haIO-A rZIf-OXY intermediate may be accomplished by the methods described rather than deferring this reaction until the last step. For example, the .1-2 double bond can be introduced subsequent to halogenation and reduction of the starting llfi-hydroxy-Zl-acyloxy-4,16,20-pregnatrien-3-one (20), i.e.,- by bioconver-' sion of compounds (22'), (23,), (24), or (25); At.what-' drolysis then isproductive of the 16-halo-1-dehydrohydro-- cortisone (26) as before. From this modification of the process it is seen that the precise point atwhich dehydrogenation takes place, and whether such dehydrogenation 1s accomplished on a 21-hydroxy. or a higher ZI-acyloxy compound, is of no substantial significance in achieving the products of the present invention. Likewise,- although as indicated earlier the 16-bromo and 16-chloro compounds are normally preferred in the intermediate stages of the process, any of the compounds produced as intermediates can be readily. treated to yield any of their corresponding 16-halogenated derivatives in:accordance with conventional halogen'interchange techniques. Additionally, the ll-hydroxy group may be oxidized, for example, with sodiumdichrornate and acid, to produce the corresponding ll-keto compounds where adequate protectionv is given the groups occupying the 21-positi0ns .1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione or the corresponding which might become involved in the reaction. These 11- keto compounds can also be converted by treatment in accordance with the process as outlined above to the 16- halo-l-dehydrocortisones and 2l-esters thereof. Thus, for example, the 16-halohydrocortisone 21-esters (24) can be oxidized with sodium dichromate and acid to give the corresponding 16-halocortisone 2l-esters, or the 16- halohydrocortisone (25) first esterified to protect the 21- hydroxyl group against reaction and then oxidized as before to give the corresponding 16-h-alocortisone 2l-ester, followed by hydrolysis according to conventional techniques to produce the lfi-halocortisone.

The 16-halo-l-dehydrocortisones and 16-halo-1-dehydrohydrocortisones serve as intermediates for the preparation of the 9a-halo analogs thereof, namely, 90:,16-(11112110- 1711,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,11,20 trione, 9a,l6 dihalo 1lfi,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione, and the corresponding 21-esters thereof.

In the preparation of these compounds, for example, 16-fluoro-l-dehydrohydrocortisone 21-acetate of the class of (26) can be reacted with N-bromoacetarnide and anhydrous sulfur dioxide until a potassium iodide-starch test of the reaction mixture is negative. Dilution with cold water, e.g., ice water, results in the precipitation of 16- fiuoro 17a hydroxy 21 acetoxy 1,4,9(11) pregna- .triene'-3,20-dione which can be purified by recrystallization from acetone. The crystalline product can then be reacted in methylene chloride-tertiary butyl alcohol solu- .tion with perchloric acid and N-bromoacetamide or N- iodo-succinimide to produce a reaction mixture from which 16-fluoro-9a-bromo-11,8,17a-dihydroxy-2l-acetoxy- 16- ;fluoro-9a-iodo compound, respectively, can be recovered .by precipitation with ice water and recrystallization from :acetone.

The latter compounds can be reacted in acetone solution with anhydrous potassium acetate at reflux temperature to produce l6-fiuoro-9fl,11[3-oxido-17a-hydroxy- .21-acetoxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione which is recover- .able from the reaction mixture by chromatographic meth- ,ods and can be purified by recrystallization from a Skellysolve .B hexane hydrocarbons-acetone mixture. of the latter in methylene chloride solution with aqueous Reaction hydrogen fluoride at room temperature is productive of 9a,l6 difluoro 1113,17a dihydroxy 21 acetoxy 1,4-

p regnadiene-3,20-dione. Substitution of aqueous hydrogen chloride, and carrying out the reaction at lower temperatures, e.g., minus C., is productive of 9a-chloro- 16 fluoro 115,170: dihydroxy 21 acetoxy 1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione.

The 9a,l6-difiuoro-11 3,17a-dihydroxy-2l-acetoxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione or the 9a-chloro analog thereof can be oxidized with chromic acid in accordance with 'known methods for converting Kendalls Compound F '2l-esters to Kendalls Compound E 21-esters to produce 9a,16-difiuoro-17a-hydroxy 21-acetoxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,11,20 trione and 9m chloro 16 fluoro 17ahydroxy 21 acetoxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,11,20 trione, respectively.

-The foregoing dihalo compounds can be hydrolyzed to :the corresponding 21-hydroxy compounds according to known methods for hydrolyzing Compound F 21-acetate to Compound F, for example, in aqueous solution with potassium bicarbonate under oxygen-free conditions. The free 21-hydroxy compounds can be reesterified to produce the corresponding 21-acyloxy compounds using an esterifying agent, e.g., the anhydride or acid halide of an organic carboxylic acid containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, in the same manner as disclosed above for the monohalogenated analogs of hydrocortisone.

follow, the numeral following the name of a compound is used to indicate the relation of the compound to the reaction schemes depicted and described above.

14 PREPARATION 1 6a-flu0r0-I 1,6,21-di/zydr0xy-4, I 7(20 -pregnadien-3-0ne 21 -acetate To 500 mg. of 6-fiuoro-115,2l-dihydroxy-4,17(20)- [cis]-pregnadien-3-one 2l-acetate, prepared according to the procedure disclosed in Example 6 of U.S. 2,838,532, there is added ml. of chloroform and 2 ml. of ethanol. The solution is cooled to approximately 10 C. and then anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas is bubbled into the solution for several hours while maintaining the temperature of the solution at approximately 10 C. to 0 C. The solution thus-obtained is washed with successive portions of water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and water, dried over sodium sulfate and then the solvent is removed under reduced pressure leaving a residue. The residue is purified by chromatography over a Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate) column, using Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone to elute the column, followed by recrystallization from acetone Skellysolve B hexanes to give 60cflIl0IOll/3,2ldihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one 21-acetate, a crystalline solid.

Similarly, substituting other 21-acylates of 6-fluoro- 1113,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-[cis]-pregnadien-B-one for 6- fluoro 1113,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20) [cis] pregnadien-3-one ZI-acetate is productive of other 21-acylates such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 21- laurate, the 21-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21-tertiary butylaoetate, the 21-(B- cyclpentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 2-benzoate, the 2l-phenylacetate, the 21-(B-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 2l-hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21- acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2- butynoate), the 21-undecolate, the 21-cinnamate, the 21- maleate, the 21-citra'conate, and the like, of 6a-fiuoro- 116,2l-dihydroxy-4,l7(20)-pregnadien-3-one.

PREPARATION l'a 3-eth0xy-11-ket0-3,5,1 7 (20 [cis] -pregna1trien- 21 -0ic acid methyl ester A mixture of 10.0 g. of 3,11-diketo-4,17(20)-[cis]- pregnadien-21-oic acid methyl ester, 1.0 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and 100 ml. of ethyl orthoformate was heated under reflux for one hour and then evaporated to dryness at reduced pressure. The semicrystalline residue was recrystallized from a mixture of methanol and pyridine to give 8.1 g. of 3-ethoxy-11-keto- 3,5 ,17 (20)- [cis] -pregnatrien-2l-oic acid methyl ester melting at 146149 C.

PREPARATION l'b 3,1 1 -dikelo-6-flu0r0-4,1 7 (20 [cis] -pregnadien- 21-0ic acid methyl ester dium sulfate. The thus-obtained solution was then taken up in 1 l. of methylene chloride and poured onto a chromatographic column containing 1500 g. of Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate). The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with commercial hexanes containing increasing proportions of acetone. Those fractions eluted with 9%, 12% and 15% acetone were combined and the solvent evaporated therefrom to yield 26 g. of a mixture containing 3,11-diketo-6p-fluoroand 3,11-diketo-6a-fluoro-4J7 ()-[-cis]-preguadien 21- 01c acid methyl ester which was used in Preparation l'c without further purification.

PREPARATION lc ou-fluoro-l15,21-dihydroxy-4J 7(20)- [cis] -pregnadien- 3-0ne 21 -acetate A solution of 7.4 g. of a mixture of 3,11-diketo-6afluoro-4,17(20) l [cisJ-pregnadien-Zl-oic acid methyl ester and 3,11-diketo-6B-fluoro-4,17(20)-[cis]-pregnadien 21- oic acid methyl ester in 150 ml. of benzene and 3.2 ml. of pyrrolidine containing 140 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid was heated under reflux for 1 hour. The solvent was then distilled in vacuo and the thus-obtained residue was dissolved in 100ml. of ether and added to 3.0 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in 200 ml. of ether. The thus-obtained mixture was heated under reflux, with stirring, for 1 hour and then ml. of ethyl acetate was added followed by the addition of ml. of water. The organic layer was then decanted and evaporatedto leave a residue which was dissolved in 300 of methanol and 20 ml. of 5% sodium hydroxide solution. The temperature of the thusobtained methanolic solution was maintained at 60 C; for 30 minutes. Following adjustment of the solution to pH 7 with acetic acid, the solvent was distilled andthe thus-obtained residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and 5% hydrochloric acid. The organic layer was freed from water and evaporated. The thus-obtained residue was dissolved in 10 ml. of acetic anhydride and 10=- ml. of pyridine and maintained at ambient temperature for 17 hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with two 50-ml. portions of methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts were combined and evaporation of the solvent gave an oil which upon crystallization from ethyl acetatecommercial hexanes yielded 2.2 g. of 6ot-fluoro-1lfl,21- dihydroxy-4,17(20)-[cis]-pregnadien-3 one 21 acetate having a melting point of 182-186 C.

PREPARATION 2a Five IOU-m1. portions of a medium, in 250-ml. Erlen-.

meyer flasks, containing 1% glucose, 2% corn steep liquor (60% solids) and tap water, are adjusted to a pH of 4.9. This medium is sterilized for minutes at 15 pounds per square inch pressure and inoculated with a 1 to 2 day vegetative growth of Septomyxa afiinis A.T.C.C. 6737. The Erlenmeyer flasks are shaken at room temperature (about 26 to 28 C.) for a period of 3 days. At the end of this period this SOD-ml. volume is used as an inoculum for 10 l. of the same glucose-corn steep liquor medium which in addition contains ,5 ml. of an antifoam compound (a mixture of lard oil and octadecanol). The fermentor is placed into the Water-bath, adjusted to 28 C. and the contents stirred thoroughly (300 rpm.) and aerated (0.1 l. of air per minute to 10 l. of beer). After 20 hours of incumbation, when a good growth has been developed, 1 g. of -6a-fluoro-11fi,21dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one 21-acetate plus 0.5 g. of 4-ketobisnor-4-cholen-22-al dissolved in 16 ml. of dimethylformamide is added and the incubation carried out at the same temperature (28 C.) and aeration for a period of 72 hours (final pH 8.3). The mycelium is filtered off and extracted with three ZOO-ml. portions of acetone. The beer is extracted with three l-liter portions of methylene chloride and thereupon the acetone extracts and the extracts of the beer are combined, dried over an-- hydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated. The resulting residue is purified by chromatography over a Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate) chromatgrophic column using Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone to elute the column, followed by recrystallization from acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes to give 6vt-fiuoro- 16 1 15,21-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20) -pregnatrien-.3-one, a crystalline solid.

Similarly, the substitution of other 2l-acylates of 6wfluoro-l 1,6,21-dihydroxy-4, 17 (20).pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione, for example those listed inPreparation 1, for 6a-fluoro- 115,21-dihydroxy-4,17 (20)-pregnadiene.- 3,20 dione 2l'-' acetate is productive of 6a-fluoro 11,8,21 -dihydroxy- 1,4,17(20,)-pregnatrien-3-one.

Substituting species of other generasuch as Corynebacterium, Didymella, Calonectria, Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Cylindrocarpon, Ophiobolus, Fusa-rium, Listeria, Erysipelothrix, Mycoba-cterium, Tricohtecium Leptosphaeria, Cucurbitaria, Nocardia, and enzymes of fungi of the family Tuberculariaceae for Septomyxa is produ'c-. tive of 6a-fiuoro-1l/8,21-dihydroxy -1, 4,l7(20) PI'gI13.

trien-3-one.

PREPARATION 2b 6 a-fluoro-l 1,8,21 dihydroxy-1,4,1 7(20) -pregnatrien- 3-0ne 21 -acetate A solution is prepared containing 50 mg. of 6a-fluoro- 1 15,2 1 -dihydroxy- 1,4, 17(20) -pregnatrien-3one in 1 ml. of

pyridine and 1 ml. of acetic anhydride The solution is. allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of about 21 hours and is thereupon poured into ice water to give crystals of 6ot-fluoro-11/8,21Idihydroxy 1,4,l7(20)-- pregnatrien-3-one Zl-acetate, which is purified by recrystallization from acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes.

Other 21-acylates are prepared by allowing Got-fluoro- 1lfi,21&dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien 3 one to react with the selected organic carboxylic acid, preferablya thereof, suchas, for'example, those-listedabove.

acetate, the 21-(fi-cyclopentylpropionate)-,"thet 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the .2l-cyclohexylacetate,the 2l1-beni zoate, the 21-.phenylacetate, the 21-(B-phenylpropionate),', the 21'-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the ll-he-misuccinate, the. 21-. hemiadipate, the 2l-acryla-te, the .21-crotonate, the 21- propiolate, the 2l-(2-butynoate), the ZI-undecolate, the

2l'-cinnamate, the 21-1naleate, the 2l-citraconate, and the like of 6ot-fluoro-1loll-dihydroxy l,4,17(20) pregnatrien-S-one.

If the corresponding acylating agent is solid an inert solvent such as toluene, xylene, or dioxane can be added to effect solution and to provide a liquid esterification medium. i

If the esterifying agent .is thefree acid, the reaction is:

carried out in the presence. of an esterification catalyst.

PREPARATION 3 A solution of 1.5 gm. of 2ot-methyl-5a,l1B,21-trihydroxy 6B fluoro 17(20) allopregnen 3-one 3-' ethylene ketal 2l-acetate and 1.5 ml. of absolute alcohol in ml. of chloroform is maintained at about 5 to 10 C. for about 2.5 hours while hydrogen chloride gas is bubbled through'the solution. The reactionzmixr ture is then poured into 300 ml. of ice and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer. is separ ated, washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, then with water,,and is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The thus-obtained solution is then chromatographed over a Florisil column, using Skelly-solve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone to elute the column,followed by recrystallization from aqueous methanol to give 2a methyl 60: fluoro 11,8,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20.)- r

pregnadien-3-one 21-acetate,a crystalline solid.

Similarly, substituting other 21-acylates of Zea-methylu,115,21 trihydroxy 65 fiuoro 17(20) allopregnen-3-one 3-ethylene ketal for 2a-methyl-5a,115,21-trihydroxy 65 fluoro 17(20) allopregnen 3 one 3- ethylene ketal 21-acetate is productive of other 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 2l-laurate, the 21-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 2l-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(5- cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(5-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, ptoluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the 21-hemiadi-pate, the 21-acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21- (2-butynoate), the 2l-undecolate, the 21-cinnarnate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of 2m-methyl- 6m fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20) pregnadien- 3-one.

PREPARATION 4a 2-methyl-6a-flu0r0-115,21-dihydr0xy],4,1 7(20)- pregnatrien-S-one Substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 2:!- methyl 60c fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20)- pregnadien-S-one 21-acetate and following the procedure of Preparation 2a is productive of 2-methyl-6wfiuoro- 115,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17(20) pregnatrien 3 one, a crystalline solid.

Similarly, the substitution of other 21-acylates of 2amethyl 6oz fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20)- pregnadien-3-one 21-acetate in Preparation 2a is productive of 2 methyl 6a fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy- 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien3-one.

PREPARATION 4b 2-methyZ-6a-flu0r0-115,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,17(20)- pregnatrien-3-one 21 -acetate Substituting 2 methyl 60c fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17(20) pregnatrien 3 one for 6a fluoro- 1 15,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17(20) pregnatrien 3 one and following the procedure of Preparation 2b is productive of 2 methyl 6a fiuoro 115,21 dihydroxy- 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate.

Similarly, substituting other acylating agents is productive of other 21-acylates, for example those 21-acylates listed in Preparation 21), of 2-methyl-6a-fiuoro-1 15,21- dihydroxy-1,4, 17 20 -pregnatrien-3-one.

PREPARATION 5a 2-eth0xy0xalyl-6a-methyl-11521-dihydr0xy-4,1 7(20) pregnadien-3-0ne sodium enolate The starting material, 61x methyl 115,21 dihydroxy- 4,17(20) pregnadiene 3 one 21 acetate, is prepared as disclosed in J.A.C.S. 78, 6213. In an atmosphere of nitrogen, 0.76 g. of ethyl oxalate followed by 0.205 g. of

sodium methoxide (25% solution in methanol) was added to a solution of 1.0 g. of 6a-methyl-115,21-dihydroxy- 4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one 21-acetate dissolved in 16 ml. of t-butanol. The temperature of addition was 65 C., and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir for a period of 10 to minutes during which period the temperature dropped to C. 16 ml. of ether was added, and stirring was continued for an additional period of minutes. The product 2 ethoxyoxalyl 6oz methyl 115,21- dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one sodium enolate, was filtered and washed with ether. It was recovered as a yellow, crystalline solid, yield 1.3 g.

PREPARATION 5b Z-eIhOxyOxaIyZ-Zfia-dimethyl-J15,21-dihydroxy-4J 7(20)- pregnaa'ien-3-0ne A reaction mixture was prepared consisting of 1.3 g. of 2 ethoxyoxalyl 6a methyl 115,21 dihydroxy- 4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one sodium enolate, 1.5 g. of potassium carbonate, 4.5 ml. of methyl iodide and 30 ml.

of acetone. The mixture was allowed to stir for 66 hours and was then diluted with 100 ml. of water and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with salt water, dried and evaporated to a solid residue. The residual product, 2 ethoxyoxalyl 2,60; dimethyl 115, 21 dihydroxy 4,17(20) pregnadien 3 one, was a light-colored, crystalline material.

In place of methyl iodide in the above procedure, other alkyl halides can be used, e.g., methyl bromide, ethyl bromide, butyl bromide, hexyl bromide, octyl bromide, phenyl bromide, etc., to produce the corresponding 2- alkylated or 2-phenylated product, e.g., 2-ethoxyoxalyl- 2 ethyl 6a methyl 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20)- pregnadien-3-one, and the like.

PREPARATION 5c 2a,6a-d methyl-115,21-dihydr0xy-4,1 7(20)-pregnadien- A reaction mixture was composed of the total product of Preparation 5b above dissolved in 20 ml. of methanol and the resulting solution added to a solution of 0.8 ml. of 25% sodium methoxide dissolved in methanol. The reaction mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of nitrogen for a period of 2 hours and was then diluted with 100 ml. of water and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with salt water, dried and evaporated to an oily residue, 2a,6a-dimethyl-l15,2l-dihydroxy-4, 17 (20) -pregnadien-3-one.

PREPARATION 5d 2a,6a-dimethyl-1 1 5,21 -dihydroxy-4,1 7 (20 -pregnadienpregnadien-S-one A reaction mixture was composed of the entire product of Preparation 50 above dissolved in 5 ml. of pyridine to which was added 10 ml. of acetic anhydride. The reaction mixture was permitted to stand for a period of 17 hours and was then poured into ice water. The resulting oil was extracted with methylene chloride, and the extract washed successively with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sodium bicarbonate, and water. The solution was then dried and chromatographed on synthetic magnesium silicate. The column was eluted with 5% acetone-% commercial hexane. Evaporation of the solvent yielded a crystalline residue which was recrystallized from dilute methanol to give pure 2a,6u-dimethyl-115-hydIoxy-21- acetoxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one, melting point 106 to 108 C.; [a] |96 degrees (in chloroform);

Analysis.Calculated for C H O C, 74.96; H, 9.06. Found: C, 74.72; H, 9.10.

Similarly, substituting other acylating agents is productive of other 21-acylates, for example those 21-acylates listed in Preparation 2b, of 2,6a-dimethyl-l15,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one.

PREPARATION 5e 2,6a-dimethyl-115,21-dil1ydr0xy-Z,4,17(20)-pregnatrien- 3-0ne Substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 2a, 60!. dimethyl 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20) pregnadien-3-one, obtained according to Preparation 50, for 60 fluoro 115,21 dihydroxy 4,17(20) pregnadien- 3-one 21-acetate and following the procedure of Preparation 2a is productive of 2,6u-dimethyl115,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one, a crystalline solid.

PREPARATION 5f 2,6ot-dimethyl-115,2]-dihydr0xy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien- 3-0ne 21-acetate Substituting 2,60: dimethyl 115,21 dihydroxy 1,4, 17(20) pregnatrien 3 one for 60 fiuoro 115,21- dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one and following the procedure of Preparation 2b is productive of 2,60;-

dimethyl 11,8,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17 (20) pregnatrien- 3-one 21-acetate, a crystalline solid.

Similarly, substituting other acylating agents is productive of other 21-acylates, for example, those 21-acyl-- ates listed in Preparation 2b, of 2,6u-dimethyl-11fi,21-'

dihydroxy-1,4, 17 (20)-pregnatrien-3-0ne.

EXAMPLE 1 115,16a,21-trihydrxy-1,4,17(20 -pregnatrien- 3-0ne ZJ-acetate (2) A mixture of 9.8 g. (0.0264 mol.) of 11,13,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one ZI-acetate (1), prepared according to-the procedure disclosed in Example of US. Patent 2,902,410, 2.76 g. (0.0248 mol.) of selenium dioxide, 33 ml. of water and 150 ml. of dioxane was heated at reflux for approximately 1 hour with stirring. The thus-obtainedreaction mixture comprising 11B,16ot,21 t-rihydroxy 1,4,17(20-pregnatrien-3-one 21- acetate was then cooled in an ice bath to about 25 C. 5.0 v of a filter aid (synthetic magnesium silicate) was added to the cooled reaction mixture, stirred for about minutes and filtered under vacuum through a synthetic magnesium silicate mat. The filtrate was added to 900 ml. of methylene chloride, followed by washing with four 200 ml. portions of water. The organic phase was then filtered and evaporated to a volume of about 100 ml. and poured onto an 800 g.

a 15,60O, and the foliowing analysis:

Analysis.-Calcd. for C H O C, 71.48; H, 7.82. Found: C, 71.68; H, 8.07.

Similarly, substituting other 11 8,21 dihydroxy- 1,4,17()-pregnatrien 3-one 21-acy1ates for 11,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate is productive of the corresponding 21-acylates, such as, for.

example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the ZI-laurate,

the 21-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21'-iso-' valerate, the 21-tertiarybutyl acetate, the 21-(5-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21- cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate,

the 21-(fi-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate),

the 21-hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the Zl-acrylate,

the 21-crotonate, the 21-propionate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 21-undecolate, the- 21-cinnamate, the 21-rnaleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of 11/3,16 x,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one.

In like manner substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 115,21-dihydroxy 4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one' 21-acetate (or other acylates) 6a-fluoro-1113,21-dihydroxy 4,17(20)-pregnadien 3-one 21-acetate (or other acylates), prepared according to Preparation 1 above,

6a-fiuoro 11/3,21-dihydroxy 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates), prepared according to Preparation 2a and 212 above,

fizx-methyl-l 1fl,21-dihydroxy 4,17 (20) -pregnadien-3-one lleacctate (or'other ylate and 2e L-I'I1Cthy]. 11,6,21-dihydroxy v- 1,4,17(20)pregnatrien-3- one 21-acetate (or other. 21-acylates), prepared according to the procedure disclosed by Spero et al.-,

JACS, 78, 6213 (1956), 2a-methyl 115,21-dihydroxy. 1,4,17(20)-pregnadien-3- one- 21-acetate (or other, ZI-acylates), prepared ac-.; cording to the procedure disclosedjn Example 50f ULS. Patent'2,852,53 8,

2-methyl 1113,21-dihydroxy 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- 1 one 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates)', prepared. according to the procedure disclosed in. BritishPatent 794,485 or in copending'Application Serial No. 634,- 616,

2a-met'nyl nadien-3-one 21'-acetate (or -other=2l'-acylates), prepared according to Preparation 3 above,

Z-methyl 6a-fiuoro-1lB,2-1-dihydroxy 1,4,17.=(20) -preg-' natrien-3-one 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates), pre-" pared according to Preparation :46! and 4b above, 2u,6a-dimethyl 11;3,21-dihydroxy-4,17 (20) -pregnadie'n- 3-one'21-acetate (or other 21-acylates), prepared-according to Preparation 5a through 5d above, 2,6a-dimethyl-l1B,21-dihydroxy 1,4,17 (20) -pr egnatrien- 3-one 21-acetate .(or other 21T-acylates),*prepared according to Preparation=5e and 5f above,*for

1l;8,21-dihydroxy 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 2l'-ace-: tate is productive of the ZI-acetate: (or other 21-acylates) of 1118,16ot,21-trihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-- trien-3-one,. 6a-methyl 11fl,16a,21-trihydroxy 4,17(20)-pregnadien- 3-one,

Got-methyl '11,B,16a,21-trihydroxy- 1,4,17(20)-pregnar trien-3-one,

2a-methyl -11,B,16a,21 trihydroxy 4,17(20)-pregna-;

nate), the 21'-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the ZI- henylacetate, the 21-(5- phenylpropionate), thej21- (0-, m-,-p-toluate), the 21- hemisuccinate, the 21-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the

21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, .the 21-(2-butynoate), the 21-undecolate, the 21-cinnamate,'the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the; like.

- ExAMPnE 2A 20oc-C/1l0I0-11l3,21 -dihydr0xy-1,4,1 6-pregnatrien3-one ZJ-acetate (3) To a stirred solution of965 mg. (0.0025 mol.) of-11B, 160;,21'trihydroxy 1,4,17(2O) pregnatrien-3-one 21 acetate (2), ml. of methylene; chloride and 556 mg. (0.003 mol.) of tri-n butylamine 'at approximately 0 C;

there, was. added dropwise over a 5 minute period, with continuous stirring, 393 mg. (0.24 mol.) of thionyl chloride dissolved in 25 ml. of methylene chloride whilst maintainingthe temperature at.0 C'. The thusrobtained ream trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the ZI-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(B-cyclopentylpropio-- 21 tion mixture comprising the 20m and 205 epimeric forms of 20-chlor-o-l l5,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l6-pregnatrien 3 one ZI-acetate was stirred for 1 hour at C. followed by washing with three 20 ml. portions of dilute hydrochloric acid and four 50 ml. portions of water. The washed reaction mixture was then filtered and the filtrate obtained was evaporated to a volume of about 25 ml. and poured onto an 80 g. Florisil chromatographic column packed wet in Skellysolve B hexanes. The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone. The eluate fractions were freed of solvent and those fractions eluted with Skellysolve B hexanes containing 9 to 12% acetone were combined. Two recrystallizations from acetone-Skellysolve -B hexanes gave 700 mg. of 20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 2l-acetate (3) having a melting point of 160l61 C.,

a 15,500 and the following analysis:

Analysis.Calcd. for C H ClO C, 68.22; H, 7.22; CI, 8.76. Found: C, 68.17; H, 7.32; Cl, 8.88.

205-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-L4,16-pregnatrien 3- one 21-acetate is present in the mother liquors and can be recovered by further chromatography or countercurrent extraction, followed by crystallization.

Similarly, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of other 21-acylates, such as those described in Example 1, of 115,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,l7 (20)-pre-gnatrien3-one for 115,16a,2'1-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate is productive of the corresponding 21-acylates. Illustrative of the 21-acylates thus produced are for example, the 2l-formate, the 21-propionate, the 2lbutyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 21- laurate, the 2l-trimethylacetate, the 21-is0butyrate, the 21- isovalerate, the 2l-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(5-cyclopentylpropionate) the 2l-cyclohexanecarboxy1ate, the 21- cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(5-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the 2l-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 2l-undecolate, the 2l-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of 20a-chloro-1l5,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one.

In like manner, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of the 21-acetate (or other 2l-acylates) of 11 5, 1601.,2 1-trihydroxy-4, 17 20) -pregnadien-3-one,

6a-fluoro-1 15, 16a,2 1-trihydroxy-4, 17 (20 -pregnatrien-3 one,

6a-fluoro-1 15, 16a,2 1-tr-ihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one,

6a-fiuoro-1l5,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnadien- 3-one,

6u-methyl-115,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,l7 (20)-pregnatrien- 3-one,

2a-methyl-1 15,16a,21-trihydroxy-4, 17 (20) -pregnadien- 3-one,

2-methyl-11-5,16a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one,

2a-methyl-6a-fiuoro-115,16a,21-trihydroxy4,17(20)- pregnadien-3-one,

2-methy1-6tx-fluoro-l15,16u,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)- pregnatrien-3-one,

2u,6u-dimethyl-1 15, 16a,21-trihydroxy-4, 17 (20)- pregnadien-3-one,

and 2,6rx-dimethyl-115,16a,21-trihydroXy-1,4,17(20)- pregnatrien-3-one,

for 1l5,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate is productive of the 21 -acetate (or other 21- acylate) of 20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-4,l6-pregnadien-3-one,

6a-fluoro-20u-chloro-l15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-fluoro-20u-chloro-115,21-dihyclroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one,

60c-I1'lfithYl-20d-Chl0l'0- 1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

6OC-I1'l6thY1-20d-Chl0f0- l 15,21-dihydroxy-l ,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one,

2a-n1ethyl-20u-chloro-115,2l-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

2-methyl-20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one,

20L-I116thyl-6ot-flllOIO-ZOOt-ChlOfO-1 15,2 1-dihydroxy-4, l 6- pregnadien-S-one,

2-methyl-6 x-tluoro-20wohloro-1l5,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-B-one,

20,6a-dimethyl-20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-4,16-

pregnadien-3-one,

and 2,6a-dimethyl-20a-chloro-1 15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one, respectively.

The term other 21-acylates as used in the preceding paragraph is inclusive of 21-acylates, such as, for example, the ZI-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21- valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 2l-laurate, the 2l-trimethylacetate, the 2l-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21- tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(5-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(5-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 2l-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 2l-(2fibutynoate), the 21-undecolate, the 21-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like.

The mixture of the 200: and 205 epimeric forms of the 20-chloro compounds described in this example can be used in Example 3 without further treatment.

E AMPLE 2B ZOa-bromo-l 15,21 -dihya'r0xy-1 ,4,] 6-pregIzazrien-3-0ne ZJ-acetate (3) To a stirred solution of 965 mg. (0.0025 mol.) of 115, 1 6u,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17-(20)-pregnatrien-3 one 21 acetate (2), 100 ml. of methylene chloride and 556 mg. (0.003 mol.) of tri-n-butylamine as approximately 0 C. there was added dropwise over a 5 minute period, with continuous stirring, 500 mg. (0.24 mol.) of thionyl bromide dissolved in 25 ml. of methylene chloride whilst maintaining the temperature at 0 C. The thus-obtained reaction mixture comprising the 200: and 205 epimeric forms of 20-bromo-l15,2l-dihydroxy-l,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one 2l-acetate was stirred for 1 hour at 0 C. followed by washing with three 20 ml. portions of dilute hydrochloric acid and four 50 ml. portions of water. The washed reaction mixture was then filtered and the filtrate obtained was evaporated to a volume of about 25 ml. and poured onto an g. Florisil chromatographic column packed in Skellysolve B hexanes. The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with acetone- Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone. The eluate fractions were freed of solvent and those fractions eluted with Skellysolve B hexanes contain ing 9 to 12% acetone were combined and recrystallized from acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes to give 20u-bromo- 115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l6-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate (3), an analytical sample of which had a melting point of 138.5139.5 C.,

max.

23 pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate is productive of the corre-, sponding 21-acylates. Illustrative of the 21-acylates thus produced are for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-buty1ate, the 21-va1erate, the 21-hexanoate, the 21-laurate, the 2li-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isova1erate, the 2l-tertiarybutylaoe tate, the 21- (5-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21- p-henylacetate, the 21-(5-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadi-pate, the 21-acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 21-undecolate, the 2l -cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of 20abromo-l 15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one.

In like manner, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of the 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates) of 115, 16u,2 1-trihydroxy-4, 17 20) -pregnadien-3-one,

6u-fluoro-1115,16a,21-trihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3 one,

6a-fluoro-115,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien- 3-one,

6a-methyl-1 15,16a,21-trihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-methyl-115,16a,21-tril1ydroxy-1,4,1 7(20)-pregnatrien- 3 -one,

Zu-methyl-l 15, 16u,21-trihydroxy-4, 17 (20) -pregnadien- 3 -one,

2-methyl-115,16a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien- 3-one,

2a-methyl-6iz-fluoro-11,5,16a,21-trihydroxy-4,17(20)- pregnadien-3 -one,

2-methyl-6u-fluoro-115,1604,21-trihydroxy-1,4,17(20)- pregnatrien-3-one,

2a,6a-dimet-hyl-1l5,16a,21-trihydroxy4,17(20)- pregnadien-3 -one,

and 2,6a-dimethyl-115,l6a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,lf7 (20 pregnatrien-3-one,

for 115,16a,21 trihydroxy-l,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate is productive of the 21-acetate (or other 21- acylates) of 20a-bromo-1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,1i6-pregnadien-3 -one,

6a-fluoro-20a-bromo-115,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3 -one,

6a-fluoro-20ec-bromo-l 15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3 -one,

6a-methyl-20et-brorno-1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3 -one,

6a-methyl-20a-bromo-1 15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one,

2ot-methyl-20u-bromo-l 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3 -one,

2-methyl-20a-brom0-1 15,2 1-dihydroxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one,

2a-methyl-6wfiuoro-20ot-bromo-1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-

pregnadiene-3 -one,

2-rnethyl'6a-fluoro-20a-bromo-1 15,21 -dihydroXy-1 ,4, l6-

pregnatrien-3 -one,

2a,6a-dimethyl-20a-bromo-115,21-dihydroxy-4,16-

pregnadien-3 -one,

and 2,6a-dimethyl-20tx-bromo-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one, respectively.

The term other 21-acylates as used in the preceding paragraph is inclusive of 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the Zh-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 2l-laurate, the 21- trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21-tertiary1butylacetate, the 21 (5 cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(5- phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, rn-, p-toluate), the 21- hemisuocinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate', the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the

24 21-undecolate, the :ZI -cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21- citraconate, and the like.

The mixture of the 200a and 205 epimeric forms of the 20-bromo compounds described in this example can beused in Example 3 without further treatment.

EXAMPLE 3 -hydroxy-205,21-ep0xy-],4,16-pregnatrien-3-0ne (4) solved in about 25 ml. of ethylene dichloride and poured.

onto a g. Florisil chromatographic column packed in Skellysolve B hexanes. The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts" of acetone.:- The .eluate fractions were freed of solvent andthose fractions eluted with Skellysolve B'hexanes-acetone (9:1) were recrystallized 3 times from acetone ,to give 11'5-hydroxy-205,2.1-epoxy- 1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one melting at 205-215 C. Three additional recrystallizations from methanol did not raise the melting point of the 115-hydroxy-205,21-epoxy-1,4,16- pregnatrien-3-one .(4) which, following. the methanol recrystallizations had a EtDH max.

242.5 III .1.

a 14,950, and the following analysis:

Analysis.Calcd. for 'C H O C, 77.27; H, 8.03. Found: C, 76.99; H, 8.05.

Similarly, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of other 21-acylates, such as those described in Examples 2A and 2B, of ZOa-ChlOIO- and ZOa-bIOInO-ll, 2l-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3rone for ZOm-chloro- 115,2l-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one ZI-acetate is productive of 115 hydroxy 205,21-epoxy-1,4,1.6-preg natrien-3-one.

In like manner, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of the 21-acetate (or other 21-acylates) of 20cclgromoor 20a-chlor0-115,21-dihydroxy-4,li6-pregnadiendihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one,- 6a-fiuoro-20u-bromoe orv 6ec-fluoro-20a-chloro-115,21

dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one, 6ot-methyl-20ot-bromoor 6a-methyl-20wchloro-115,21-

dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3one, 6a-rnethyl-20a-bromoor 6a-methyl-20a-ch1oro-115,21-

dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one, 2ot-methyl-20ot-bromoor Za-methyLZOa-chloro-I15,21-

dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one,. Z-methyI-ZOa-bromoor 2amethyl-20a-chloro-115,21-

dihydroxy-1,4, 16-pregnatrien-3-one, 2a-methyl-6a-fluor0-20wbr0moor 2ot-methyl-6a-fluoro- 20uchloro-1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one, 2-methyl-6a-fluOro-ZOa-bromoor 2-methyl-6u-fluoro- 20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy 1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one, 2a,6a-dimethyl-20u-bromoor 2a,6a-dimethyl-20a-chloro- 1 15,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3 one, and 2,6a-dimethyl ZOIX-bI'OmO- or 2,6a-dirnethy1-20a-chloro- 1 15,21-dihydr oxy- 4,16-pregnatrien-3-one, for 20a-chloro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-0ne 21- acetate is productive of 1 15-hydroxy-205,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one, 6a-fluoro-115-hydroxy-205,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-fluoro-113-hydroxy-203,2l-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

6u-rnethyl-1 13-hydroxy-203,2 l-epoxy-4,l6-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-methyl-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

2a-methy1-113-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

Z-methyl-l 13-hydroxy-203,2l-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

2a-methyl-6a-fluoro-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-

pregnadiene-3-one,

2-methyl-6a-fiuoro-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy,1,4,16-

pregnatn'en-3-one,

2a,6a-dimethyl-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-

pregnadien-S-one, and

2,6a-dimethyl-113-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one, respectively.

The term other 21-acylates as used in the preceding paragraph is inclusive of 2l-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate, the 21-laurate, the 21- trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(3-cyclopentylpropionate), the 2l-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(3- phenylpropionate), the 2l-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21- hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the- 21-propio-late, the 21-(2-butynoate), the ZI-undecolate, the ZI-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like.

- In like manner, substituting the mixed 20c: and 203 epimeric forms of the 20-chloro or ZO-bromo compounds described in Examples 2A and 2B, respectively, is productive of a mixture comprising the 200:, 21-ep0xy compounds, otherwise corresponding to the 203,21-epoxy compounds described above, and the 203,21-epoxy compounds. This mixture comprising the 20a,21-epoxy and 203,2l-epoxy compounds can be used in Example 4 without further treatment. The mixture comprising the 200:, 21-epoxy and 203,21-epxy compounds can be chromatographed or countercurrently extracted, followed by crystallization, to separate the 20a,21-epoxy compounds from the 203,21-epoxy compounds and thus obtain them as separate entities.

EXAMPLE 4 16a-flu0r0-113,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one (504) 163 fluoro 113,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,17(20)- pregIzatrien-3-0ne (53), ZOa-fluorO-I13,21-dihydroxy- I,4,16-pregnatrien-3-0ne (5 '12:) and 203-fluor0-113,21- dihydroxy-l,4,]6-pregnatrien-3-0ne (5'3) 500 ml. of methylene chloride and 108 g. (1.5 mol.) of tetrahydrofuran were placed in a gallon polyethylene bottle. The bottle was flushed with nitrogen, cooled in a Dry Ice-acetone bath to about -60 C. and 60 g. (3.0 mol.) of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride were added there to. A solution containing 19.4 g. (0.06 mol.) of 113- hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one (4) dissolved in 2 l. of methylene chloride, which had previously been cooled to about 60 C., was poured into the methylene chloride tetrahydrofuran hydrogen fluoride solution. The reaction mixture was swirled, and then placed in an ice bath and kept at about 0 C. for about 4 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled to about 50 C. and poured into a stirred solution of 414 (3.0 mol.) of potassium carbonate dissolved in 2 l. of water. After stirring for approximately 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was allowed to stand and phase separation into an organic (methylene chloride) and aqueous phase occurred. The organic (methylene chloride) phase was separated and the aqueous phase extracted with three 200 ml. portions of methylene dichloride. These organic (methylene chloride) extracts were combined with the first organic (methylene chloride) extract, washed once 26 with 200 ml. of water, filtered and evaporated to dryness leaving 22 g. of a White solid residue comprising 16a-fluoro-1l3,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l7(20)-pregnatriene- 3-one (50c), 163-fiuoro-1l3,2l-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20)-pregnatrien- 3-0ne (53) 20u-fiuoro-113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one (S'a) and 203-flu oro-1 13,214dihyd roxy-1,4, l 6-pr-egnatrien- 3-one (5'3).

In like manner, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 113,hydroxy-203,2l-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one,

6oc-flU0l'O-l 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-fluoro-1 1 3-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

6ot-methyl-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

6a-methyl-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

Za-methyI-I 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-4,16-pregnadien- 3-one,

2-methyl-113-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one,

2a-methyl-6a-fluoro-113-hydroxy-203,Z1-epoxy-4,l6-

pregnadiene-3-one,

2-methyl-6a-fluoro-1 13-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one,

20,6zx-dl1l'l6thYl-1 13-hydroxy-203,2l-epoxy-4,16-

pregnadien-S-one, and

2,6ot-dimethyl-113-hydroxy-203,21-epoxy-1,4,16-

pregnatrien-3-one, for

1 l3-hydroxy-203,2 l-epoxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one is productive of a product comprising 163-fiuoroand l6a-fiuoro-l 13,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20) pregnadien-3-one (and 203-fiuoroand ZOa-flllOIO- 113,2l-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one),

6a,163-difiuoroand 60,l6oc-dlfll101O-l 13,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 60,20fi-difl1101'0- and 6a,20u-difluoro-113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,lo-pregnatrien- 3-one 6a-methyl-163-fiuoroand 6a-methyl-16a-fluoro-1 13,21-

dihydroxy-4, 17 (20) -pregnadien-3-one (and fiat-methyl- 203-fluoroand 6u-methyl-20u-fluoro-l 13,21- dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one 6u4rnethyl-163-fluoroand 6a-methyl-16a-fluoro- 1 13,21-

dihydroxy-1,4,17 (20) -pregnatrien-3-one (and 6amethyl-203-fluoroand 6a-methyl-20ct-fluor0-1 13,21- dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 2u-methyl-l63-fluoroand 2a-methyl-16u-fluoro-1 13,21- dihydroxy-4, 17 (20 -pregnadien-3-one (and Zea-methyl- 203-fiuoroand 2a-1nethyl-20m-fluoro-1 13,21-dihydroxy- 4,16-pregnadien-3-one),

2-rnethyl163-fluoroand 2-methyl-16a-fluoro-113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)pregnatrien-3-one (and 2-methyl- 203-fluoroand Z-methyl-ZM-fluoro-l 13,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one) 2u-methy1-6a,163-difluoroand 2a-methyl-6a,16a-difiuoro-113,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 2ot-methyl-6a,203-difiuoroand 20L-Inethyl-60t,200t-dlfluoro-l13,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one),

2-methyl-6ot,163-difluor0- and 2-methyl-6ct,16a-difiuoro- 113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 2- methyl-6u,203-difluoroand 2-methyl-6a,20a-difluoro- 113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one),

2a,6 x-dimethyl-163-fiuoroand 20:,6ot-(llIH6thYl-l6zx-fill0- ro-113,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 2a,6a-dimethyl-203-fluoroand 2a,6a-dimethyl-20afluoro-l13,21-dihydroxy-4,l6-pregnadien-3 -one) and 27 2,6a-dimethyl-l6fi-fluoroand 2,6a-dimethyl-16 x-fiuoro- 11,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien3-one (and 2, 6ot-dirnethyl-2fi-fluoroand 2,60t-dlIl'l6thYl-20c-flll0l'0- 1 113,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l6-pregnatrien-3-one), respectively.

In like manner, substituting the mixture comprising the 20tx,21-epoxy and 20 8,21-epoxy compounds described ,in Example 3 is productive of a mixture comprising the 16mfluoro, l6B-fluoro, 20ot-fluoro and 20,8-fluoro compounds described in this example.

EXAMPLE 5 To the whitesolid residue (22 g.) comprising 16OL-flllOl'O-1 1,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one (5a),

16,8-fiuoro-11,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one 5),

20ot-fluoro-1 16,21-dihydrxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 'uc) and 20,8-flu-oro-1 1fi,2l-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one obtained in Example 4, there was added 140 ml. of acetic anhydride and 140 ml. of pyridine. After standing at about 25 C. for about 18 hours, thereaction mixture was poured into 2 l. of ice water,.stirre'd for about 15 minutes and then extracted with three 200ml. portions of methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts were combined, Washed with two 200 ml. portions of water, filtered and evaporated to dryness yielding 22 g. of a white solid residue comprising Several residues obtained according to the reaction described immediately above Were combined and 33.5 g. of

the combined residue comprising 16a-fluoro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one 21-acetat'e,

16B-fluoro-11fl,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one 21-acetate,

ZOa-fiuoro-l118,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3 -one 21- acetate and 20 8-fluoro-l1,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 21 acetate,

was taken up in 100 ml. of methylene chloride and poured onto a 2 kg. Florisil-chromatographi-c column packed in Skellysolve B hexanes. The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with a constant concentration of acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes (8:92,:by volume). The eluate fractions were freed of solvent. Those fractions which papergram analysis showed to contain the 200:- fluoro and ZOB-fiuoro compounds only were combined and recrystallized from ethyl acetate to yield an analytical. sample of the mixed 200a and 20,8 epimeric forms of 20- fluoro-l1fi,21-dihydroxy-l,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 21-ace.-. tate (6), having a melting pointof 173178 C., [a] +80 (CHCl and the following analysis:

Analysis.Calcd. for C H FO C, 71.11; H, 7.52; F, 4.89. Found: C, 71.25; H, 7.52; F, 4.59.

The mixed 20u and 20p epimeric forms can be separated from each other using procedures known in the art,- for example, chromatography or countercurrent extrac tion, followed by crystallization, toyield 20a-fluoro-l-1fi,2l-dihydroxy-1,4,16 pregnatrien-3-one 21- acetate (6G1) and ZOfl-fluoro-l 15,2 1 -dihydroxy-l,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one 21- acetate (6'5),

Those fractions which paperg-rlam analysis showed tov fluoro compounds were dissolved in methylene chloride and poured onto a second, Forisil chromatographic. column and thechrornatographic column was developed by eluting with a constantconcentratiori of acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes (8 :92, .by volume). The eluate fractions were freed of solvent and those fractions which papergram analysis showed to containmostly thev l6-fiu0ro compounds (the 16u-fluoro epi rner: predominating) were combined. A portion of the combined fractions was recrystallized'from ethyl acetate to yield an analytical sam-- ple of 16a-fluoro-1l5,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3 one 21-acetate (631), having a melting point of 190- 191 C.,

nton max.

react with the appropriate hydrocarbon carboxylic acid, or.

the acid anhydride and acid halides thereof, there is pro-.

duced a product comprisingother 21-acylates, such as,for

example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 2l-hexanoate, the 21-laurate, the ZI-trimethylacetate, the 2l-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the. 2l-tertiarybutylacetate,; the 21-(B-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21 cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexyl acetate, the ZT-benzoate, the 2l-phenylaceta te, the *21-(5- phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate'), the 21- hemisuccinate, the 2l-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, ,the

ZI-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 2l-undecolate, the 2lj-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21- citraconate and the like,. of the 16m and 16,6 epimeric forms of ,16 fluoro-1lfi,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one.

If; the esteri fying agent is the free -acid,-the reaction is carried out in the presence of an esterificationxcatalyst.

If the correwpondingeacylatin'g agent is solid, an inert solvent such as, toluene, xylene, or dioxane can be addedto effect solution: and to provide aliquid esterifying r medium.

In like mannersubstituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of products comprising 29 and 60,20oc-(1lfi11010-1 1 ,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,6-prcgnatrien -3-one),

6a-methyl-16B-fluoroand 6a-methyl-16a-fiuoro-1113,21- dihydroxy-4,17(2 )-pregnadien-3-one (and 6a-methyl- ZOfi-fluoro and 6a-methyl-20tx-fluoro-11,8,21-dihydroxy- 4,16-pregnadiene-3-one) 2m-methyl-16fl-fiuoroand 2a-methyl-16u-fiuoro-l1,6,21-

dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and Zen-methyl- ZOB-fluoro and Za-methyl-ZOa-fluoro-l1B,21-dihydroxy- 4,16-pregnadien-3-one),

hydroxy-1,4,l7(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and Z-methyl- 20 8-fiuoroand Z-methyI-ZOa-fluoro-l15,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one),

2a-rnethyl-6a,16B-difiuoroand 2a-n1ethyl-6a,16a-difiu0rol1B,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 2amethyl-6a,20 8-difiuoroand 2OL-methY1-60L,200L-dlfluOrO- 11,8,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3 -one) 2-methyl-6a,16fi-difiuoroand 2-methyl-6a,16a-difluoro- 11,8,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 2- methyl-6a,20}3-difluoroand 2-methyl-6a,20a-difluor7- 1 1,3,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one) and 2,6a-dimethyl-16;8fluoroand 2,6a-dimethyl-16afiuoro-l15,21-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one (and 2,6a-dimethyl-20f3-fluoroand 2,6a-dimethyl- ZOa-fluoro-l 15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3- one),

disclosed in Example 4, for the product comprising 16,8- fiuoroand 16a fluor-o '1 1,8,21-di hydroxy-1,4,17(20)- pregnatrien-3-one and ZOB-fluoroand 20a-fiuoro-11fi, 2l-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one and acylating with the appropriate acylating agent is productive of a product comprising the 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-acetate, the 2l-formate, the 21-propio- .nate, theZI-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the 21-hexanoate,

the 21-laura-te, the ZI-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(fi-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the ZI-(B-phenylpropionate), the 21- (o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the 21-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 21crotonate, the 2l-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 21-undecolate, the

' ZI-cinnamate, the ZI-maleate, the 21-citraconate and the like, of

16B-fiuoroand ISa-fluoro-l15,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)- pregnadien-3-one (and 20/3-fiuoroand 20u-fluoro-11B,

" 21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one) 1,4,17 (20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 6a,20B-difluoroand 6u,20a-difiuoro-11/3,21-dihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien- 3-one),

6a-methyl-16B-fiuoroand 6a-methyl-16u-fiuoro-11,8,21-

dihydroxy-4,17 (20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 6a-methyldroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3-one),

. dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 6adihydroxy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one),

2a-methyl-16B-fluoroand 2a-methyl-16a-fiuoro-115,21-

dihydroxy-4,l7(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 2a-methyl- 39 20 3-fluoroand 2a-methyl-20a-fluoro-11,8,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnatrien-3-one) 2-methyl-16fl-fluoroand 2-methyl-16a-fluoro-11,8,21-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 2-methyl- ZOB-fluoroand 2-methyl-20oc-fluoro-115,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one),

2e-methyl-6a,16B-difiuoroand 2a-methyl-6a,16a-difluoro-l113-21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and Za-methyI-6u,20/3-difluoroand 2a-methyl-6u, 20or-difluoro-11,8,21-dihydroxy-4,16-pregnadien-3- one),

2-methyl-6a,16fl-difiuoroand 2-methyl-6a,16u-difiuoro- 11fi,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one (and 2- methyl-6a,20B-difluoroand 2-methyl-6a,20a-difiuoro- 115,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,16-pregnatrien-3-one) 2a,6a-dimethyl-16B-difiuoroand 2a,6a-dimethyl-16afluoro-l1B,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3-one (and 2a,6a-dimethyl-20B-fiuoroand 2a,6a-dimethyl- ZOa-fiUOIO-l 15,21-dihydroxy-4,1G-pregnadien-B-one),

and 2,6u-dimethyl-16/8-fiuoroand 2,6u-dimethyl-16afluoro-l15,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3- one (and 2,6a-dimethyl-20fl-fluoroand 2,6a-dimethyl- 20a-fluoro-116,21-dihydroxy-1,4,l6-pregnatrien-3- one), respectively.

If desired, the above-described mixed products can be separated in the manner described above or according to other procedures known in the art.

EXAMPLE 6 1 6 a-fluoro-l 1,8,1 7a,21-trihydr0xy-1,4 pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21 -acctate and 16,8-flu0r0-11/3J 7oc,21-trihydroxy-I ,4-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 21 -aceta te (76) 4.3 g. (0.011 mol.) of the product comprising 16afluoro-l1 3,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien 3 one ZI-acetate (6a) and 16fl-fluoro-l1,8,21-dihydroxy-L4, 17(20)pregnatrien.-3-one 21-acetate (6(3) obtained from the second chromatographic column in Example 5, 180 ml. of tertiary butanol, 5 ml. of pyridine, 43 ml. of a 2 mg./ml. tertiary butanol solution of osmium tetroxide and 13.7 ml. of a 2N tertiary butanol solution of N- methylmorpholine oxide hydrogen peroxide complex were stirred at about 28 C. for about 16 hours. There was then added to the reaction mixture about ml. of a freshly prepared 1% solution of sodium hydrosulfite, followed by stirring for about 5 minutes and filtration through a synthetic magnesium silicate mat. The filtrate was then evaporated, under vacuum, while maintaining the temperature below 35 C., leaving a residue. The residue was taken up in about 200 m1. of methylene chloride, washed with two 50 ml. of portions of dilute hydrochloric acid, two 50 m1. portions of water, filtered and evaporated to dryness yielding 4.1 g. of a crude product comprising 16u-fluoro-11,8,17a,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 16B-fiuoro- 11,8,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate. The crude residual product was dissolved in about 100 ml. of methylene chloride and poured onto a first chromatographic column containing 300 g. of Florisil packed in Skellysolve B hexane. The chromatographic column was developed by eluting with Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing amounts of acetone. The eluate fractions were freed of solvent and analyzed by papergram analysis. Those fractions (eluted with 10% acetone in Skellysolve B hexanes) which papergram analysis showed to contain 16a-fiuoro-11fi,17u,21- trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate were combined, dissolved in. methylene chloride, and rechromatographed using a second chromatographic column containing 30 g. of Florisil packed in Skellysolve B hexanes. The second chromatographic column was developed by eluting with Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing proportions of acetone. The eluate fractions from the second chromatographic column were freed of solvent and analyzed by papergram analysis.

51 Those fractions which papergram analysis showed to contain the 16a-fluoro epirner were combined and recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give 16a,fiuoro-1l5,17a,21- trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate (7 at) having a melting point of 219-220 C.,

REESE 243 m a 16,100 and the following analysis:

Analysis.Calcd. for C H FO C, 65.70; Il 6.95; F, 4.52. Found: C, 65.23; H, 7.01; F, 4.52.

Those. fractions (eluted with 15% acetone in Skellysolve B hexanes) from the first chromatographic column which papergram-analysis showed to contain a mixture of 1600 fluoro 115,17a,21-trihydr0xy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 2l-acetate and 165-fluoro-l15,7u,21-trihydroxy1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate were combined (160 mg), dissolved in methylene chloride, and rechromatographed using a chromatographic column. containing 12 g. of Florisil packed in Skellysolve B hexanes. The third chromatographic column was developed by eluting with Skellysolve B hexanes containing increasing proportions of acetone. The eluate fractions from the third cromatagraphic column were freed of solvent and analyzed by papergram analysis. analysis showed to contain the 165-epirner were combined' and recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give 165-.

Those'fractions which papergram fluoro-l15,17a,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate (75) having a melting point of 174-177 C.

Similarly, substituting other 21-acylates, such as those described in'Example 5, of the product comprising the 16m and 165 epimeric forms of 16-fiuoro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one for the product comprising the 16a'and 165 epirneric forms of 16-fluoro-115, 21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-one 21-acetate, is productive of a product comprising the 16m and- 165- epimeric forms of other 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 2l-propionate, the 2l-butyrate, the 21-valerate, the ZT-heXanoate, the 2l-laurate, the 2l-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 2l-isovalerate, the

21-tertiaryhutylacetate, the 21 (5 cyclopentylpropim' nate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cycloheXylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the 21-(5-.

phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21- hemisuccinat'e, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 21crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-hutynoate), the 21-undecolate, the 2l-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of 16-fiuoro-115,17a,21'-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

The 16oz and 165 epimeric forms of the other 21- acylates of 16 fluoro-l15,17a,21-trihyroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, described in the preceding paragraph,

can be separated from each other according to the procedure described above for the separation of 16x-fiuoro- 1l5,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate from 165-fluoro-1 15,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadime-3,20 dione21-acetate.

In like manner, substituting a stoichiornetric equivlent amount of a product comprising the 21-acylates of the 160: and 165 epimeric forms of 16-fluoro-1 15,2 1-dihydr0Xy-4, 17 (20 -pregnadien.-3-one,

6u,16-difluoro-115,21-dihydroXy-4,17(20)-pregadien- 60,16-difl11010-1 15,21-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20) -pregnatrien-3 -0ne,

6a-methyl-16-fluoro-115,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-pregnadien-3 -one,

6a-methy1-16-fluoro-115,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-B-one,

2u-rnethyl-16-fluor0-1 15,2 1-dihydroxy-4, 17 (20 )pregnadien-3 -one,

2cc-In6thY1-16-flllOIO-1 15,21-dihydroxy-l,4,17(20)pregnatrien-3 -one,

2a-methyl-6a,16-difluoro-115,21-dihydr0Xy-4,17(20)- pregnadien-3 -one,

32. 2-II16tl1yl-6oc,16difi1l0f01 1 5,21-dihydroxy-1,4,17 ('20)- prcgnatrien-3-one, 2a,6a-dimethyl?16-fluoro-115,21-dihydroxy-4,17(20)-4 pregnadien-3-one, and 2,6oc-dimethyl-l6-fiuoro 115,21 dihydroxy 1,4,17

(20)-pregnatrien-3-one, disclosed in Example 5, for the product,comprising the 16oz and165 epimeric .forms' of l 6-'fluoro-ll5,2l-dihydroxy-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-3-onet ZI-acetate is productive .of the 21-acylates, such as, for example, the ZI-acetate, the 21-formate, the '21-prppionat'e', the .21- butyrate, the I 21-valerate, the- 21-hexanoate, the 21- laurate,'the 21-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate', the 2l-isovalerate, the ZI-tertiarybutylacetate, 'the; 21- (5-cyclopentylprppionate), the? 21-cyclohe'xa1'1ecarboxylate, the 2l-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the.

2l-phenylacetate, the 21'-l(5-phenylpropi0nate), the 21- (0-, m-, p-toluene), the 21-hemisi1ccinate, then-hernia adipate, the 21-acrylate, the .21-croton'ate, the 21-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate), the 21-undec0late; the ZI-cinnamate, the ZI-maleate, the v2l'-citraconate, and

, 2a,6a-dimethyl-16-fiuoro-115,17a,2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-di0ne',; a and 2,6u-dimethyl-16l-fiuoro-ll5,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4--

pregnadiene-3,20-dione,:respectively.

The,16a and 165 epimeric forms of these compounds can be separated from each other according tothe proce-;

dure described above for theseparation of 16ot-fiuoro- 1l5,17a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20- dione 2 lf-j 1 acetate from 165-fli1oro-115,17 x,2l-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.:

EXAMPLE 7 16a-flu0r017a,2] dihydroxy 1,4,9(11') p'regnatrienetate (85) Followingthe procedure of Example 1 of U.S.1Patent- No. 2,838,499,substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 16a-fluoro-115,17oi,2l trihydroxy-1,4 p regnadiene-3,2 0-di-one ZI-acetate (a). for. 1-dehydro-6a-fiuorm:

hydrocortisone' acetate is productive .of 16u-fluoro-17a,

2 1-dihydr0xy- 1-,4,9 11 )-pr egnatriene-3,20. dione 21-acetate a crystalline SQliCLf Similarly, substituting 165 fluoro 1'15,17a,-21'-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,ZO-dione ZT-acetate (75) in=the above example is productiveof 165-fiuoro-17oi,215-dihydroxy-1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3 ,20-diohe121-iacetate1(85), I

a crystalline solid.

In like manner substituting other. 21 -acylates of the and epirneric forms of, 16-fluoro-1 1',8,17u',21-1rihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione is productive ;of the corresponding '21-acylates, such as, for example',",the 21- formate, the 21,-propioriate, the ZI-butyrate, the 21-valer-' ate, the ,21-hexanoate, 1 the 21-1aurate,-the ZL-tIimethyl-I acetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the ,l-isovalerate, the :21-tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(5-cyclopentylp'ropionate), the

3 6u-methyl-16-fluor0-9a-bro1no-1 15,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione, 2a-methyl-16-fiuoro-92x-br0mo-1 1,8,17a,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3 ,20-dione, 2-methyl-16-fluoro-9oz-bromo-1 1/3,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione, 2a-methyl-6a,16-difiuoro-9a-bromo-11;8,17o,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3 ,20-dione, 2-methyl-6a,16-difiuoro-9-bromo-11B,17u,21-trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione, 20,60z-(l11'1l61hYl-16-fiu0IO-9a-bIOmO-11fi,l7cc,21-tfihy' droxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, and 2,6-dirnethyl-1 6-fluoro-9a-bromo-1 1fi,17a,21'-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, respectively.

Similarly, following the procedure of Example 2 of US. Patent 2,838,499, substituting another N-haloamide or and N-haloimide such as N-iodosuccinirnide or N- chlorosuccinimide, is productive of the corresponding 9a-halo products.

EXAMPLE 9 16oz fluoro 9 8,115 epoxy 170;,21 dihydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 21-acetate (100a) and 16B-fluoro 95,1113 epoxy 17a,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 21 -acetate (108) Following the procedure of Example 3 of U5. Patent 2,838,499, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 160: fluoro-9a-bromo-1 1fi,17a,21-trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (90a) for 6afluoro-9abromo-l1/3,17,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate is productive of 16a-fiuoro-9fi,l1/3-epoxy-17a, 21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21-acetate (10a), a crystalline solid.

Similarly, substituting 16/3-fluoro-9a-bromo-11fl,17 x,21- trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (9,8) in the above example is productive of 16fl-fluoro-9fi,11fiepoxy 17,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21-acetate 10 3), a crystalline solid.

In like manner, substituting other 2l-acylates of the 160: and 16B epimeric forms of 16-fluoro-9a-bromo-11B, 17a,21-trihyroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione is productive of the corresponding 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the 21-butyrate, the 21- valerate, the 2l-heXanoate, the 21-laurate, the 21-trimethylacetate, the 21-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21- tertiarylbutylacetate, the 21-(,B-cyclopentylpropionate), the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexylacetate, the 21-benzoate, the 21-phenylacetate, the ZI-(B-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuccinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-acrylate, the 21-crotonate, the 21-propiolate, the 2l-(2-butynoate), the 21- unde colate, the 21-cinnamate, the 2l-maleate, the 21-citraconate, and the like, of the 16m and 165 epimeric forms of 16-fluoro-9,3,1I/S-epoxy-Null-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadicue-3 ,20-dione.

Likewise, substituting the 2l-acylates of the 160: and 165 epimeric forms of 16-fluoro-9 a-bromo-l 1,8, l7a,2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,

20-dione, 6a,16-difluoro-9a-bromo-1 1 3, 17a,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,2U-dione, 6a,l6-difiuoro-9a-bromo-l1/3,17a,21-trihydr0xy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 6ot-methyl-16r-fluoro-9a-bromo-1 1,8,17u,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione, 6a-methyl-16-fiuoro-9 -br0mo-11fl,17a,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, Za-rnethyI-16-fluoro-9a-bromo-1 l [3,17u,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione, 2-methyl-16-fluoro-9a-bromo-11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 2a-methyl-6a,l6-difluoro-9a-bromo-l 1B,17oc,21-

trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, 2-methyl 6u,16-difiuoro-9a-bromo-1 1,8,17a,21-

trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione,

36 2a,6rx-dimethyl-16 fluoro-9'a-bromo-1 1p,17a,21-

trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, and 2,6u-dimethyl-16-fluoro-9a-brom0-1 1,3,17a,21-

trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

disclosed in Example 8, is productive-of the corresponding 21-acylates, such as, for example, the 21-acetate, the 21- formate, the 21. 'propionate,.the 21 butyrate, the 21- valerate, the 2 1 hexanoate, the '21-laurate, the 21-trimethylacetate, the -21-isobutyrate, the 21,-isovalerate,the 21 tertiarybutylacetate, the 21 (6 cycl-opentylpropionate), the 21" cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21 cyclohexylacetate, the. 21 benzoat'e,--the 21, phenylacetate, the 21 8 phenylpropionate), the 21 (0-, m-, pitoluate), the 21 hemisuc'cinate, the 21 h'emiadipate, the 21 acrylate, the 21 crotonate, the 21 propiolate, the 21 (2 butynoate), the 21 undecolate, the 21- cinnamate, the 21 maleate, the :21 citraconate, and the like, of the 1604 andlGB epimeric forms of 16-fluoro-9,B,1 Iii-epoxy-17u,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione,

60c, 16-difluoro-9/3,1 1;.3-epoxy-17u,21-dihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione,

, pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

6a-methyl-16-fluoro-9fi,11,8-epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione,

6a-methyl-16-fluoro-9fi,l 1/3-epoxy-17ot,21'dihydroxy-1,4-.

pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

. pregnadiener3,20-dione,

2a-rnethyl-6u,16-difluoro-9,8,1.1/3-epoxy-17a,2I-dihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3 ,20-dione,

2-methyl-6a,1.6-difiuoro-9B,1 lfi-epoxy-lMil-dihydroxy-v 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

4-preg-nene-3 ,ZO-dione, and 2,6a-dimethyl-16-fluoro-9fl,1 1-,8-epoxy-17a,21-

dihydroxy-1,4pregnadiene-3,20rdione, respectively.

Similarly, substituting the other Qua-halo products, obtarned according to the procedure of Example 8, in this example is productive of the 9,8,11B-ep0xy products dcscrrbed above. 7

EXAMPLE 10 9a, I'6a-diflu0r0-Z1/3J 721:,21-irihydroxy-],4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 2] acetate (11 a) and 9a,] 6,8-diflu0r0-I 1,3, I 7a,21-trihydr0xy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZJ-acetate (11,5)

Following the procedure of Example'4 of US. Patent 2,838,499,substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 16a 7 fluoro 913,11}? epoxy 17oz,21 dihydroxy- 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate v(:) for 60 fiuoro 95,1119 epoxy 1712,21 dihydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate isprod-uctive of ,160; difiuoro 11,6,I7oc,21 trihydroxy- 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate having a melting. point of 265268 C. and the following analysis:

Analysis.Calcd. for C H F O c, 63.00; H, 6.44; F, 8.67. Found: C, 62.61; H, 6.59; F, 8.60.

90:,160: difiuoro 1113,17u,21 trihydroxy- 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate has approximately 75 times the antiinflammatory activity of hydrocortisone.

Similarly, substituting 16 3 --fluoro 9 8,113 epoxy- 17a,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (10B) in the above example is productive of 90:,16 8 difluoro 11153170 21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, a crystalline solid.

' In like manner, "substituting'other 21 acylates of the 16m and 16 3 epimeric forms of 16 flu'oro 9,8,11,8- epoxy 17a,21' dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20- dione 2l-acetate is productive of the corresponding 21 acylates, such as, for example, the: 21-formate, the 21- The free 21-alcohols described in Example 11 can be re-esterified by allowing them to react with the selected organic carboxylic acid, preferably a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from 1 to- 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, or the anhydride or acyl halide thereof, to produce the 2l-acylates, such as, for example, the 2l-acetate, the 21-formate, the 21-propionate, the Zl-butyrate, the '21- valerate, the 2l-heXanoa-te, the 21-laurate, the ZI-trimeth ylacetate, the 2l-isobutyrate, the 21-isovalerate, the 21- tertiarybutylacetate, the 21-(/S-cyclopentylpropionate) the 21-cyclohexanecarboxylate, the 21-cyclohexy1acetate, the 2l-benzoate, the 2l-phenyl acetate, the 21-(B-phenylpropionate), the 21-(o-, m-, p-toluate), the 21-hemisuocinate, the ZI-hemiadipate, the 21-a-orylate, the 21-crotonate, the 2 l-propiolate, the 21-(2-butynoate) the 2 l-undecolate, the 2l-cinnamate, the 21-maleate, the ZI-citraconate, and the like, corresponding to the free 21-alcohols.

If the corresponding acylating agent is solid, an inert solvent such as toluene, Xylene, or dioXane can be added to effect solution and to provide a liquid esterification medium.

EXAMPLE 12 16a-flu0r0- and 9a,16oc-diflu0r0-11,8,1 7a,21-trihydroxy-1, 4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZZ-methanesulfonate (1740c) and 16,8-flur0- and 9a,ld,8-diflu0ro-1Jfl,17a,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20-di0ne 21 -methanesulf0nate Following the procedure of Example 1 of US. Patent 2,838,538, substituting a stochiometric equivalent amount of 16a-fiuoro-llfl,l7u,2 l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione (12a) for 6a-fiuoro-11,8,17a,21-tril1ydroxy-4-pregnone-3,20-di0ne is productive of 1604-1111010-11}3',17ot,21-tti hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 2l-methanesulfonate (140a), a crystalline solid.

Similarly, substituting :,1604-(11111101'0-1 1B,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (13a) in the above example is productive of 9oz,16-u-difluoro-l1/3,17ot,21-t1'ihydroxy-l,4rpregnadiene-3,2Q dione 21 methanesulfonate a crystalline solid.

In like manner, substituting 16,8-fluoro-1 1,8,17oc',2 l'-trihy droxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20edione and 9oa,16,B-difluoro-11,B, 17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione -is productive of l6B-fluoro-11,8,17a,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene. 3,20-dione 2l-methanesulfonate (14B) and 9a,16}8-difluoro-l1,8,17a,21-trihydroXy+1,4-pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21- methanesulfonate(1413),.

Similarly, substituting the 16m and epimeric for-ms of l6-fluoro-l 1B,170:,21-trihydroXy-4-pregnene3,20-dione,

6a,16-diflHOI'O1 1p, 17a,2 l-trihydroXy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione,

6a-methyl-16-flu0ro-l 1,6,17a,21,-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,2'0dione,

2a-methyl-16-fiuoro-1 1,8, l 7a,2 l-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione,

2-methyl-16-fluoro-.1 15, 1701-2 1-trihydroXy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

2a-methyl-6oz,16-difluoro-1 1 8, 1 701,2 1 -trihydroXy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione,

2-methyl-6-u,16-difluoro-11B,17u,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

90:,16-difll1Of0-1 1 8, 1 711,2 1-trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione, 1

6a,9u, 1.6-trifluoro-1 1B, 17a,2 l-trihydroXy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione,

6a-methyl-9a,16-difluoro-1 1p,17a,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20dione,

6a-methyl-9a, l 6-difluoro-l 1,8,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

2a-methyl-9a,16-difluoro-1 1 8,17a,21-tIihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20 -dione,

2-methyl-9u,16-difluoro-1 1/8,17a,21-trihydroxy-l,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

2u-methyl-6a,9a,16-trifluoro-1 1B, 17a',21-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20.-dione,

2-methyl-6a,9a,16-trifluoro-1 1p, :,2 l-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

disclosed in Example 11, is productive of ther21-methanesulfonate. corresponding thereto.

EXAMPLE 13 Following theprocedure of Example 2 of US. Patent 2,838,539, substituting a stoichiometric equivalent amount of 1606-111101'0- 1 1 [3, l7a,2l-trihydroxy- 1 ,4-pregnadiene-3,2 0- dione Zl-methancsulfonate (14a) for 6u,9u-difluoro-11 8, 17a,21-trihydroXy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21 methanesulfonate is productive of 160c-fl11010-21-i0d0-11fl,17oc-dihydrlogy-1,4apregnadiene3,ZO-dione (150:), a crystalline so 1 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE PREGNANE SERIES HAVING THE FOLLOWING FORMULA: 